Hallmark Channels Expand Programming Departments

NEW YORK: Alexandra Smith and Ayn Prince have been made directors of programming for Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel, respectively, following appointments made by Crown Media Family Networks.

Crown Media Family Networks is a division of parent company Crown Media Holdings Inc. and home of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel. Smith and Prince, located in Studio City, CA, will report into Darren Melameth, the VP of programming, planning and scheduling.

As director of programming for Hallmark Channel, Smith will manage the implementation of original movies and series to on-air. She will oversee the scheduling database and work closely with department heads of programming, original movie development, and scheduling and acquisitions. Prior to this, Smith was the manager of international program planning and acquisitions at NBCUniversal.

Prince, as director of programming for Hallmark Movie Channel, will oversee the monthly program schedules and highlights for the network and work closely with Smith. Previously, Prince was the manager of research for Disney Channels Worldwide.

“Alexandra and Ayn come to Crown Media with extensive backgrounds in research and program planning with robust knowledge of the industry marketplace,” said Melameth. “They will play instrumental roles in the execution of all aspects of strategy and scheduling for the networks and will work in tandem to enhance programming and brand initiatives across both networks.”